Step 1

Add the water and sugar to a medium pot. Heat and stir until steaming and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Add the vodka, lightly crushed coffee beans, and split vanilla beans. Stir together and let cool to room temperature.

Step 3

Transfer to a very clean air-tight container. Seal and let sit in a cool dark place for three weeks or longer.

Step 4

Strain the solids out of mixture with a fine mesh strainer, and divide up the homemade Kahlua or keep it in a big batch.

Step 5

Kahlua keeps fine at room temperature for a few months.